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South Africa: Cape Town to Kruger National Park

with Victoria Falls extension

Duration: 11 or 13 days
Group size: 15-30
Reviews: 5

Travel through South Africa where history and culture await you.

Bustling cities and safari landscapes collide on Africa’s southern tip. Cape Town offers up colorful architecture and a vibrant culture. In Soweto, learn about the country’s history and apartheid struggle. Unbelievable natural scenery and vantage points dot the way from Kruger National Park to Johannesburg.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
2 lunches
4 dinners with beer or wine
6 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Robben Island
Cape of Good Hope
Simon's Town
Soweto
Hector Pieterson Museum

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Cape Town today.

Cape Town4 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Cape Town

Welcome to South Africa! Settle in to your hotel this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Cape Town

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Embark on a guided tour of Cape Town, a beautiful and culturally rich city.

• Take a cable car ride up Table Mountain (weather permitting)

• Enjoy a visit to the South African Museum

• Catch glimpses of the National Gallery and the Houses of Parliament on a drive through the city with a stop in the Malay District

• Take a ferry to Robben Island, the historic symbol of apartheid and South Africa’s struggle for freedom, for a tour with a local guide (weather permitting)

Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers this evening

Day 4: Cape Peninsula

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, set out on a full-day excursion to the Cape Peninsula.

• Drive along the Atlantic seaboard, passing the Clifton and Camp’s Bay beaches

• Visit the Cape of Good Hope and the lighthouse at Cape Point to soak in beautiful views of where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet

• Head to Simon’s Town for lunch, where you may see some penguins, before arriving back in Cape Town

Enjoy a free evening in the city.

Day 5: Free day in Cape Town

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Cape town or add an excursion.

Cape Winelands Tasting & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Johannesburg1 night

Day 6: Transfer to Johannesburg

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Johannesburg this morning. Once you arrive, set out on a guided sightseeing tour of the Soweto township.

• See the soccer stadium where the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals game was played

• Pass Vilakazi Street, once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu

• Enter the Hector Pieterson Museum to learn about the 1976 Soweto uprising

Kruger Region2 nights

Day 7: Transfer to the Kruger Region

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive through scenic landscapes, with a stop for an included lunch, on the way to the Kruger Region.

Enjoy a free evening in the area or add an excursion.

Shangana Cultural Village & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 8: Kruger National Park game drives

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Set out for a full day of game drives, where you’ll have a chance to see the Big Five game animals: buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos.

Johannesburg1 night

Day 9: Transfer to Johannesburg via Panorama Route

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

See scenic landscapes at every turn as you head to Johannesburg along the Mpumalanga Panorama Route.

• Soak in breathtaking views at God’s Window (weather permitting)

• See Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a collection of natural rock formations

• Stop at the lush, green Blyde River Canyon, where you can see neighboring Mozambique on a clear day

When you arrive in Johannesburg this evening, say goodbye to your group at a farewell dinner.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport to board your flight home, or continue on the tour extension to explore Victoria Falls.

Arrive Home

Day 11: Arrival in U.S.

Arrive home today.

Extension to Victoria Falls

When the Zambezi River is at its highest, the towering column of spray from Victoria Falls can be seen from over 20 km away. This magnificent waterfall—the world’s largest—marks the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Although the explorer David Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria, the locals call this natural wonder the “smoke that thunders.” Please note: A visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders to enter Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls2 nights

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Chinotimba Township

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, located on the southern bank of the Zambezi River. Then, take a guided tour of Chinotimba Township, a village of the Nambya and Tonga people.

• Get a glimpse of local township life

• See old houses, taverns, local markets, and churches

Enjoy a free evening in the Victoria Falls region or add an excursion.

Sundowner Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Victoria Falls

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore Victoria Falls, the largest curtain of falling water in the world, on a guided tour. Then, continue on to visit a local charitable organization.

• Take in spectacular views of the falls from several vantage points

• Learn about the history, flora, and fauna of the area

• Visit the Rose of Charity to learn about their ongoing work to improve the quality of life in local communities

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly back to Johannesburg to board your overnight flight home.

Arrive Home

Day 13: Arrive home

Arrive home today.

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Reviews

4.6 average

A country that turned itself around

12/11/2018 by 20th time traveler Vickie V.

South Africa has an unfortunate history in modern times. Yet their reconciliation process is turning them around. A visit to Robben Island to tour the prison where Nelson Mandela was held is led by a former prisoner. We visited Mandela's house in Soweto, and the Pieterson Museum to better understan...

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South Africa Adventure

10/31/2018 by 7th time traveler Anonymous

I recently returned from an amazing adventure to South Africa. We began by visiting Capetown which was lovely. The history of Apartheid and Mendela was made very real. Next onto Johannesburg and more interesting places to see. But the real adventure started in Kruger. Seeing the animals in their...

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06/26/2018 by 2nd time traveler Mary B.

This was an excellent trip. My husband and I enjoyed it very much . The visit to Victoria Falls was the highlight of the trip coupled with the generous assistance, guidance , knowledge and support of Ms Foster and other leaders.

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Protea Hotel Hazyview

This sophisticated hotel is located on a rural hillside with scenic views over the Sand River Valley. Guests enjoy Wifi, a bar, and a pool with a sund...

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Protea Hotel Wanderers

This vibrant, elegant hotel is located in Illovo. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, spa, and laundry services. Nearby, you'll find the Wanderers Golf Club...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter South Africa (and Zimbabwe on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least three blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. and Canadian citizens to enter South Africa.
U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in order to enter Zimbabwe on the tour extension. We recommend obtaining your individual visa by purchasing it on arrival at the airport, at the cost of $30USD. If you choose to purchase your visa in advance, you may do so by applying directly for an e-visa or by using a visa provider, such as our partner company, VisaCentral. (Please note: if you would like to visit both sides of Victoria Falls, you will need to purchase a multiple-entry visa to cross the bridge to Zambia and then re-enter Zimbabwe.)
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
If you are or will be accompanied by a minor (under the age of 18), additional documents will be required to travel through South African ports of entry. Visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website for the most-up-to-date requirements for minors traveling to or from South Africa.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 1 hour daily across mostly flat terrain, including dirt paths and unpaved walkways, with some hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of boats. This tour also includes long bumpy rides in safari vehicles.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Cape Town and depart from Johannesburg. A representative from Go Ahead Tourswill meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg as well as a boat ride to Robben Island are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls to Johannesburg.)
During game drives, you will be traveling in a specially equipped safari van.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

Loose-fitting, layered clothing that can accommodate varying temperatures will be most comfortable. Quick-dry material is best for hot days outside and a warmer layer may be needed for chilly evenings and early mornings.
Comfortable closed-toes shoes, such as sneakers or lightweight hiking boots, are best for walking during the day.
Sun protection is very important. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
Occasional rain showers are common from April through August, so lightweight rainwear may be necessary depending on the timing of your trip.
Insect repellent, binoculars, and a flashlight are highly recommended.

Health

At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Local governments may require proof of a yellow fever vaccination (often referred to as a “yellow card”) or a statement of medical exemption from the vaccine. This is only required of travelers arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission (Please note: This does not include the U.S. or Canada). Visit cdc.gov/yellowfeverfor more information. Travelers flying with South African Airways with a fuel-stop in Dakar, Senegal will not be exiting the aircraft and therefore will not be required to present proof of vaccination due to this stop.
Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry on luggage.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

You’ll find that most cuisine in South Africa reflects the region’s British, German, and Dutch colonial periods as well as Afrikaner influences. High-quality meats, vegetables, and fruits are sourced from the surrounding area’s farmland.
On the tour extension in Zimbabwe, cornmeal is an important staple used for making porridge and sadza, which is thicker and resembles Italy’s polenta. Rice, greens, potato, pumpkin, peanuts, black-eyed peas, and local fruits are popular additions to any meal.

Electricity & air conditioning

South Africa operates on 220–240 volts and uses a Type M plug with two small round pins and one larger round pin.
Zimbabwe (on the tour extension) operates on 220-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
Not all of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in some hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches or safari vehicles.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

South Africa (plus Zimbabwe on the tour extension) are two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). South Africa (plus Zimbabwe on the tour extension) do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
From November through March, when it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm on tour. From April through October, when it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.

Currency

The currency you will be using on your tour is the South African rand. (In Zimbabwe on the tour extension, it’s recommended that you use U.S. dollars or South African rand.)
You may be able to purchase South African rand in advance from your local bank or a foreign currency exchange retailer, such as Travelex.
Please note, travelers cannot import or export more than $25,000 in South African rand and may be required to claim any additional foreign currency at customs.
We recommend that you carry as little local cash as possible as well as small amounts of U.S. dollars (only crisp bills printed in 2004 or later).
ATMs are not readily available in the more rural areas.
Major North American credit cards are accepted but can be difficult to use in remote locations (Visa is the most widely accepted).
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
We also recommend tipping the equivalent of $5USD per person for your local wildlife guides per game excursion and the equivalent of $2USD per local guide if applicable.
Tips can only be paid in cash.
Gratuities for baggage handling are included in the price of your tour.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

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18 Departures

Tour prices are per person, before flights from your departure city, and based on two travelers per hotel room. Tour prices include on-tour flights where applicable.